Waugh believes T20, Test cricket go hand in hand

Twenty20 might be a massive hit with the fans but former Australia captain Steve Waugh feels Tests will always remain a cricketer's first priority and both the versions need each other's support to survive and flourish.

"It doesn't have to be one or the other. These guys out here now, they love playing Test cricket. It's the ultimate test for them mentally, physically, technically. That's why you train, and that's why you take up the game.

"But the other game (Twenty20) is exciting and it's a money-making arm of the game, commercially it's successful.
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India lost the T20 World Cup thanks to Modi

Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga has savaged Indian Premier League  (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi, blaming him personally for India's disappointing World Twenty20 campaign earlier this year.

In a speech to the Oxford Union (part of the world-famous Oxford University), reported in the January issue of The Wisden Cricketer magazine, the 1996 World Cup winning captain said:

"India lost the Twenty20 World Cup thanks to Lalit Modi. No one else. Lalit Modi and his IPL. When I was playing, there were players who always wanted to achieve something for their country -- we used to play for our clubs for no money. It was an honour to play for our country. Not like nowadays."

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Pakistan aim to continue T20 run

After a riveting end to the ODI series, which New Zealand won 2-1, the focus turns to the Twenty20s, which Pakistan will feel they are better placed to trump. Pakistan conceded the ODI series in typically erratic fashion, making a meal of a chase of 212 before a phenomenal fightback staged by Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal ensured the game was settled in the final over. They will be disappointed by a fifth consecutive ODI series defeat, especially one they were well poised to win, but the Twenty20 games in Dubai present an opportunity to redress that.

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Shashid Afridi's blueprint for 2010 T20 World Cup

The ICC Twenty20 World Championship may be six months away, but Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi has already prepared a blueprint to help the team retain the coveted title.

Afridi said he has made extensive plans to defend the crown in the next T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the Caribbean from April 30 to May 16, 2010.

The flamboyant all-rounder said he has already had detailed discussions with the team management including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt and coach Intikhab Alam regarding his strategies for the event.

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